John Thomas Jack’ Kelley

Former Bayfield resident John Thomas Kelley died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2013, at his home in Cortez. He was 79.

Known as “Jack,” he was born to John Ambrose and Lavina Elizabeth (Sieferd) Kelley on May 28, 1933, in St. Louis.

On April 28, 1962, he married Carolyn Ruth Pierce in Albuquerque.

Mr. Kelley served in the Air Force.

He worked for Mountain Bell, was a water well driller in New Mexico and helped to build the ski runs at Angel Fire.

The Kelleys lived for many years in Dolores. Mr. Kelley operated the Sportsman Chevron and owned and operated Park Street Chevron and Jacco Distributing for many years in Cortez.

From the late 1980s until about two years ago, they lived in Bayfield, where he continued owning and operating Jacco Distributing.

Mr. Kelley was a member of the Cortez Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1789.

He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, camping and hunting. He also enjoyed tinkering.

“Dancing with his wife of 50 years brought Jack much enjoyment,” his family said.

Mr. Kelley was preceded in death by his granddaughter Kymber Leah Bair.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Kelley, of Cortez; daughters Paula Bair of Cortez and Jeanie Matthews of Dolores; son, John T. Kelley, of Fruita; sister, Carol Loy, of California; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one nephew; and numerous extended family members.

A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, at Ertel Memorial Chapel, 42 N. Market St. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, also at Ertel. The Rev. Pat Valdez will be the celebrant. Military honors will be provided by the Ute Mountain American Legion Post No. 75. Private burial will take place at the Pine River Cemetery in Bayfield.